Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

Life is so good when you realize you are the Buddha and make all the benefits.

NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO!

And just as much can be gained when we realize that the converse is also true!

"Life sucks when we fail to realize that WE are the Devil of the Sixth Heaven, and destroy our own fortune."

No one else does that to us, but us.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase."*
Let's help as many people as we possibly can to get connected with Buddhism!
The more we share this Buddhism with others,
the further and faster our movement for kosen-rufu will advance.

(*)"True Aspect of All Phenomena," WND p. 386

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The disciples of the Buddha must without fail understand the four debts of gratitude and know how to repay them."

Opening of the Eyes (Part 1) page 228 [Selection source: Seikyo Shimbun June 17, Highlights from the Head Quarters Leaders Meeting held on June 15, 2006.]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Please don’t undermine your self-worth by comparing yourselves with others, don’t become obsessed with seeking fame and fortune, and don’t act deceitfully or dishonestly. Be proud and confident of who you are, and do not let yourselves be defeated."

SGI Newsletter No. 6883, SGI President Ikeda’s Acceptance Speech, The Path of Mentor and Disciple—a Path of Creativity, Growth, and Victory, May 29th, 2006, translated June 16th, 2006

 

[Guest]

And just as much can be gained when we realize that the converse is also true!

"Life sucks when we fail to realize that WE are the Devil of the Sixth Heaven, and destroy our own fortune."

No one else does that to us, but us.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

T

Love you brother!

We are an incredible extended family. "Many in Body, One in Mind"

Let the protective forces enhance their protection upon us all this week and our valor and self confidence beam strength into the hearts of all. Be strong and freely chant, " NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO! "

Please enjoy this article related to the above referenced quote relative to our life. All the best.

Buddhism in Daily Life




Many in Body, One in Mind (Itai Doshin)



Buddhism places great stress on the human bonds that form the context in which the teachings (the Law or dharma) are practiced and transmitted. This web of connection can be compared to the threads of a woven fabric, with the vertical warp corresponding to the bonds between mentor and disciple, and the horizontal woof to the mutually supportive relations among believers.

While the teachings themselves are accorded highest value and Nichiren himself often reminded his followers to "rely on the Law and not the person," his writings are also filled with references to the importance of developing and maintaining harmonious unity. As he wrote in one letter, "All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim." This letter was written at a time when the small community of Nichiren Buddhists was facing severe persecution from the feudal authorities. Nichiren encouraged them not to give up hope despite being few in number, writing,"If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable."

The expression Nichiren uses, "many in body but one in mind," consists of four Chinese characters that could also be rendered, "different in body, same in spirit." What is crucial here is that the type of unity aspired to is not a mechanical uniformity, imposed or coerced from without. Rather, it is unity that has at its heart respect for the diverse and unique qualities of each individual ("many in body"). Such unity arises, to quote SGI President Ikeda, when people "treasure each other as unique and irreplaceable individuals, and try to bring out the best in each other."

In contrast, he adds, " 'many in body and many in mind' is a situation of utter disunity, while 'one in body and one in mind' is one controlled by group thinking in which individuality is ignored and totalitarianism ultimately results. Neither situation allows people to manifest their unique abilities."

The phrase "one in mind" does not mean to adopt a standardized, uniform set of values or way of thinking. Rather, it points to a shared, yet deeply personal, commitment to an overarching goal or ideal. It offers a model for solidarity among people working for positive change in the world. Each person has a unique mission that only they can fulfill, their own special contribution to make. A spirit of respectful and spontaneous collaboration toward a common ideal creates the environment in which each person's unique qualities and talents can be fully realized.

In the early 1940s, when Japan was in the sway of totalitarian fascism, the founding president of the Soka Gakkai criticized the prevailing official dogma of "self-abnegation for the public good" which was used to justify unquestioning sacrifice in support of the war effort. "Self-denial," he wrote, "is a lie. The true way is to seek happiness for both oneself and for all others." He declared that the organization would be dedicated to enabling individuals to develop their unique capacities as they contribute to the flourishing of human society.

Makiguchi also noted the irony that evil-minded people actually find it relatively easy to develop solidarity--united by a shared interest in material or political gain. People of goodwill, being more spiritually self-sufficient, he wrote, tend to overlook the importance of unity. History is filled with tragic examples in which the failure of people of goodwill to work together has effectively ceded the field to the forces of hatred and destruction. It is also clear that only a broad-based coming together of people committed to a more humane future will enable us to meet the challenges of the new century. The Buddhist ideal of "many in body, one in mind" offers a vision of the unity of diversity. It is the unity of autonomous individuals committed to the work of self-reformation, concern for others and faith in the possibilities of a better future.



January, 2005

Index
Healing the Africa in Us
Shaping a New Future for Africa
Women and Development in Africa
Looking to Africa
The African Renaissance
MDG Success in Rural Mali
Building Technological Bridges in Africa
Africa 2005
Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda--First President of the Republic of Zambia
Tackling HIV/AIDS
Unleashing the Power of Culture
Building Peace in Côte d'Ivoire
Cultural Ties Celebrated in Malaysia
Culture of Peace Activities
Education Seminars
New Books
Films Awarded
International Symposiums in China
"Why Religion?"
Art Exhibition in Dubai
East-West Connections
Seeds of Change in Canada and Austria
Pacific Basin Research Center Reopened
Emergency Relief in Japan
"Victor Hugo and the Romanticists" Exhibition
Many in Body, One in Mind
Exhibition Pictures
SGI Members - At Soka University



Copyright © 2006, Soka Gakkai International, All rights reserved.

 

[Babbabud]

nam myoho renge kyo!!

 

[Guest]

I chant all day baby, don't you!

I chant all day baby, don't you!

Gosho Excerpt:

"The nation may be devasted by the superior strength of the Mongols, but the slander of the correct teaching will cease almost entirely. Defeat would be like a moxa cautery, which cures disease, or like acupuncture, which relieves pain. Both are painful at the moment, but bring happiness later."


Many in body, One in mind,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 618)
Written to Takahashi Rokuro Hyoe on 6 August 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/618.html




Daily Encouragement:

How exhilarating it is to stand tall, walk with a buoyant step and be flexible in one's actions! How attractive to those we meet are our sparkling eyes and vibrant voices! This is the principle of the true entity of all phenomena. Your fresh and vital appearance eloquently attests to the greatness of faith, and you will find that you naturally cultivate a sphere of friendship and understanding among those around you.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/


Gosho Excerpt:

"The teachings such as those of the non-Buddhist writings and those of the Hinayana and provisional Mahayana Buddhist scriptures all partially explain the phenomena inherent in one's life. They do not explain them as the Lotus Sutra does. Thus, among the sutras, there are both superior and inferior, and among people also, sages and worthies may be distinguished."

The Mongol Envoys,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 629)
Written to Nishiyama Nyudo in 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/629.html




Daily Encouragement:

The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: "All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe." I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith , which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

The True Aspect of All Phenomena, pg 385, [Selection source: Seikyo Shimbun June 19, Kyo no Hosshin]

 

[Delta9-THC]

thankyou for that PTD ... Hope evryones well
We have alot to look forwards to it seems ... evryones moving in new directions I hope .... not ones they already have been ,,, Unless of course they are back onto something they enjoy .... lol
Anyway I hope your all well and Safe ... which is the main thing ....
Peace
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

 

[Guest]

Gosho Excerpt:

"It is an undeniable fact that fire can at once reduce even a thousand-year-old field of pampas grass to ashes, and that the merit one has formed over a hundred years can be destroyed with a single word."


The three obstacles and four devils,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 636)
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on 20 November 1277 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/636.html




Daily Encouragement:

I hope that you will lead immortal, invincible and joyous lives, filled with confidence, pride and good cheer. I also hope you will display inspiring leadership, while doing your utmost to protect your respective areas.

Events:
1996: The Florida Nature and Culture Center opens.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/


__________________________________________________________________

I have been struggling slightly lately but pushing forward regardless, I get strength from this thread and from all of you. Thanks to dg and gypsy for this site and ptd for the thread.

that *$&$%(*#@ devil of the 6th heaven needs a serious beating, lol. I will keep chanting and redirect my focus to chanting more. Laziness for me is another manifestation of the devil of the 6th heaven. Being proactive I have more control and avoid the pitfalls of going through life without a plan. Executing your daily plan is heaven, but try and battle those internal fires before they rage out of control!

*Yes even though I may have acted like an animal (yesterday at certain points, {tough night}), at least when I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, I get past that low life condition and go where I need to be. So chant to make the impossible possible and chant to consistently manifest your Buddha nature and rise above your basic tendancies.*

thanks for letting me share.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Let's confidently and courageously live out our lives
with unwavering conviction!
Let's not forget the "never give up" spirit!
Now, more than ever, let's challenge to
"exert ourselves bravely and vigorously!"

*"Yumyo shojin (He has exerted himself bravely and vigorously)" - "Expedient Means" chapter of the Lotus Sutra

Daisaku Ikeda

"Buddhist practice has to be carried out with determination and courage. When we bravely challenge ourselves with the spirit to accomplish 'more today than yesterday' and 'more tomorrow than today,' we are truly practicing. Without such a brave and vigorous spirit, we cannot break the iron shackles of destiny, nor can we defeat obstacles and devils. Our daily practice of gongyo is a drama of challenging and creating something new in our lives. When we bravely stand up with faith, the darkness of despair and anxiety vanishes from our hearts, and in pours the light of hope and growth. This spirit to courageously stand up is the spirit of faith."

(Lectures on the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span Chapters of the Lotus Sutra by Daisaku Ikeda, Volume 1, page 58)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Easy. This is just my opinion, but attaining anuttara-samyak-sambodhi* is not just seeing the Buddha in your mirror. It is the process of overcoming your fundamental darkness--your devil of the sixth heaven. This does not happen in a month or even a year or even possibly many years (like decades?). It is a life-long process. When you reach the point that your fundamental life condition is always manifesting the tenth world condition of any of the ten worlds and never wavers--day in and day out, no matter the circumstance or challenge--you're there.

Prior to that happening, we have a lot of delusion to overcome. One of the greatest delusions that one may face is the delusion of "thinking we know what we do not know". (I may be being guilty of it right now writing this post!)

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, IT'S ABOUT NEVER GIVING UP! FUCK THE BAD DAYS, THEY ARE GOING TO COME NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. FUCK THEM--YOU CAN'T GET THEM BACK.

Honnin myo! **

Love ya brothers and sisters!

T (Don't give up!)

*anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (Skt)
[阿耨多羅三藐三菩提・無上正等正覚] (Jpn.: anokutara-sammyaku-sambodai or mujo-shoto-shogaku)

Supreme perfect enlightenment, the unsurpassed enlightenment of a Buddha. Anuttara means supreme, highest, incomparable, unsurpassed, or peerless. Samyak means right, correct, true, accurate, complete, or perfect, and sambodhi means enlightenment. The expression samyak-sam-bodhi by itself is also used to mean perfect enlightenment. Bodhi and sambodhi also mean wisdom or perfect wisdom. In this sense, anuttara-samyak-sambodhi means supreme perfect wisdom.

**true cause
[本因妙] (Jpn.: honnin-myo)

Also, the mystic principle of the true cause. One of the ten mystic principles of the essential teaching (latter half ) of the Lotus Sutra formulated by T'ien-t'ai (538-597) in The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra. It refers to the practice that Shakyamuni carried out countless kalpas in the past in order to attain his original enlightenment. The term contrasts with the true effect, or the original enlightenment Shakyamuni achieved countless kalpas before his enlightenment in India. The true cause is indicated by the phrase in the "Life Span" (sixteenth) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, "Originally I practiced the bodhisattva way ..." Profound Meaning defines "bodhisattva way" as the true cause of Shakyamuni's original enlightenment. Shakyamuni did not clarify, however, what the bodhisattva way was. T'ien-t'ai interpreted it as a reference to the first stage of security, or the eleventh of the fifty-two stages of bodhisattva practice, i.e., the stage of non-regression, the attainment of which he defined as the true cause for Shakyamuni's original enlightenment. However, what teaching or Law Shakyamuni had practiced to attain the stage of non-regression remained unclear. Nichiren (1222-1282) identified the true cause, or fundamental Law, that enables all Buddhas to attain their enlightenment, as the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Because he fully revealed the true cause for attaining Buddhahood and established a universal way of practice, in his lineage Nichiren is called the teacher of the true cause, while Shakyamuni is called the teacher of the true effect.

 

[bartender187]

those last two posts PTD struck a cord in me....

easydisco- thanks for all your contributions as well, im new to all this, still digesting it all, and making my own view. recently i started chanting in the shower--it helps me put everything into focus for the day.

nam myo renge kyo

 

[Guest]

Thank you T for the direction and encouragement I will confess, both your post and bartender's posts add a very appreciated boost today. I just finished my lunch and then purchased some cannabis (bc bunk) for a decent joint, after yesterday I deserved to treat myself much better. NOW, there is something I have written about a few times already in my posts here, regarding "faith like flowing water, not fire which burns out." I have been chanting to rid myself of this inheirant darkness that fucking plagues me from time to time. so then I grab my world tribune after my toke and read about the mentor disciple relationship and find something to grab onto and pick myself up:

from june 16,2006 pg.3
"Light of the Century of Humanity"

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakymuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,' cannot be false in any way" (WND, 217); and "Therefore those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does" (WND, 994).




Thanks to all.


"We have no need for faithless cowards who crumble under the slightest pressure. The Soka Gakkai is a might lion king."

 

[Guest]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[SoCal Hippy]

SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series (excerpt)

SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series (excerpt)

"The Opening of the Eyes" Gosho from Living Buddhism, June, 2006

The Sovereign, Teacher and Parent of the Buddhism of the Sowing of the Latter Day of the Law

Compassion as the Proof of Enlightenment

True enlightenment is the wellspring of inexhaustible compassion, and compassion is the proof of true enlightenment. Nichiren took on the challenge of spreading this spirit of compassion in the Latter Day of the Law, a defiled age when people are indifferent to others' suffering and succumbeasily into the life-state of anger, constantly quareling and fighting among themselves and growing ever more arrogant. The votary of the Lotus Sutra assumes the noble role of a courageous spiritual pioneer who, undaunted by adversity, spreads the fragrant breeze of compassion in this dark and troubled world

Courage and Compassion are the Key

Buddhas are not simply enlightened to their own inherent power. They recognize the potential of all beings and continually devote their energies to helping them actualize that potential. "Unlock your true humanity! Awaken to your own potential!: - this is the fervent wish of Buddhas. Their compassionate encouragement is an unending paen to the human being and a reverent salute to life itself.

This is also why Buddhas seek to vanquish ignorance and fundamental darkness, and why they sternly denounce the arrogance of those who denigrate others and do not believe in life's potential. All Buddhas' benevolent and courageous actions for others are infused with compassion and empathy; they are dedicated to relieving suffering and imparting joy, as well as encouraging positive growth and rebuking error and wrongdoing.

Making Nichiren's Three Virtues Our Own

Essential to truly freeing people from suffering in this cold, cruel Latter Day of the Law is the appearance of a votary of the Lotus Sutra who inherits the three virtues of the Buddha, along with countless similar votaries-agents and practitioners of compassion-who unite their efforts around the central votary.

Developing Compassion Thru Courage

Certainly, it's difficult for us ordinary people to readily bring forth compassion, but we can summon courage instead. When we courageously practice and spread the Law of compassion, those very efforts are equivalent to our having taken compassionate action. And such efforts, will naturally lead to the development of infinite, positive human relationships based on compassion, spreading from one person to another.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Three Virtues
The benevolent functions of sovereign, teacher, and parent a Buddha is said to possess. The virtue of sovereign is the power to protect all living beings, the virtue of teacher is the wisdom to instruct and lead them to enlightenment, and the virtue of parent is the compassion to nurture and support them.
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/dictionary/define?tid=580

 

[PassTheDoobie]

That was a kick-ass post SoCal! Thank you!

That was a kick-ass post SoCal! Thank you!

Considering the source of what you shared, you must have taken the time to type all of that out for us! Wow! Deep respect and sincere gratitude to you Brother! It is wonderful to have you back home where you belong. WE NEED YOU HERE! PLEASE CONTINUE!!!

Desiderata! Where ya at? When we challenge our lives by making the determination to start chanting, sometimes the fundamental darkness of our lives--that resourceful devil of the sixth heaven--jumps in and does a number on our life condition to impede, and if possible stop, our progress toward embracing the Law.

Expect that and see it for what it is. Don't let that sneaky fucker get the best of you! Life is win or lose! Each of us, through our own determination or lack of it, is responsible for that outcome. It's hard! Never get down on yourself by falling victim of this powerful influence.

It's never about how many times one falls down. It's always about whether one get's back up! Getting back up (continuing one's best effort based on one's ability to do so) is winning. Staying down (forgetting your determination to start chanting) is losing. The mercy of the Entity of the Law is infinite, but one must continue to chant to experience that. Those experiences are what establish our faith.

I have temendous confidence in your ability to do that!

Bartender, some of us start by chanting in the shower; some of us start by chanting in the bath. The only thing that matters is that we start chanting. And that we continue. A simple thing but not an easy one. Please continue!

(Maybe someone that started in the Bath will grace our thread with a post again soon?)

Deepest respect!

T

 

[guineapig]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!!

A book called "The Hidden Messages In Water" by Dr. Masaru Emoto is one i have been
reading. The book shows how beautiful crystals form in water which has been exposed to vocalized words and sounds which we humans find beautiful too. Classical music and words of praise, when directed toward the water, inevitably result in a beautiful and symmetrical crystal when the water is frozen. However, when negative words and images of violence were exposed to water, the crystals were very unsymmetrical and many times would not even form at all......

Anyway, here is a passage which i thought we might enjoy together:

"In Japan, it is said that words of the soul reside in a spirit called "kotodama" or the "spirit of words", and the act of speaking words has the power to change the world. We all know that words have an enormous influence on the way we think and feel, and that things generally go more smoothly when positive words are used. However, up until now we have never been able to physically see the effect of positive words."

So let's vocalize some positive thoughts.....who is with me?????

your friend the guineapig

 

[Guest]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!!

A book called "The Hidden Messages In Water" by Dr. Masaru Emoto is one i have been
reading. The book shows how beautiful crystals form in water which has been exposed to vocalized words and sounds which we humans find beautiful too. Classical music and words of praise, when directed toward the water, inevitably result in a beautiful and symmetrical crystal when the water is frozen. However, when negative words and images of violence were exposed to water, the crystals were very unsymmetrical and many times would not even form at all......

Anyway, here is a passage which i thought we might enjoy together:

"In Japan, it is said that words of the soul reside in a spirit called "kotodama" or the "spirit of words", and the act of speaking words has the power to change the world. We all know that words have an enormous influence on the way we think and feel, and that things generally go more smoothly when positive words are used. However, up until now we have never been able to physically see the effect of positive words."

So let's vocalize some positive thoughts.....who is with me?????

your friend the guineapig

Salute to the guineapig, great post! I am with you guineapig! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo saves me and as PTD says

"Life is win or lose! Each of us, through our own determination or lack of it, is responsible for that outcome. It's hard!"

The daily effort and constant chanting helps, and the better things get the easier it is for me to screw it up! lol. Being humble really helps, being open makes things easier. The only constant in my life this year has been Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and my faith that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the answer.

Today, I just have to keep my head down and chant. love you all. peace

(6 months chanting this morning)